Art Institute of Vancouver Student Excels in Fur-Free Design Contest
Vancouver Fashion design student Johana Zara doesn’t need fur. She was recently named a finalist in the Humane Society of the United States and The Art Institutes’s seventh annual national Cool vs. Cruel Fashion Design Competition.
Zara’s design made her one of 18 finalists in the contest, with competitors from across North America.
“The immediate vision I had for my garment was a knee-length coat with an empire waist,” said Zara.
“Inspired by Fendi’s double-layered sleeve, a triple-layered sleeve evolved with a vision to combine four or more cruelty-free fabrics or faux furs all in one coat.”
The contest challenges students to creatively reinterpret and replace animal fur on runway designs by Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Gucci or Oscar de la Renta.
“This competition gives the next generation of designers the opportunity to learn about why many people are opposed to animal fur, as well as try their hand at alternatives,” said Michelle McDonald, fashion outreach manager of the fur-free campaign for the Humane Society of the United States.
Zara was selected from among more than 200 entries. She has been awarded a cash prize already, while qualifying for the national grand-prize. The winner receives an expense-paid, week-long internship in New York City with a celebrated designer from the panel of judges.
Schools mentioned: The Art Institute of Vancouver
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